Data center air containment system

ABSTRACT

An air containment system is configured to span an aisle defined by rows of racks. The air containment system includes a frame structure having two end frames provided at respective ends of the air containment system, and at least two horizontal beams, one for each side of the air containment system, releasably secured to the end frames. The frame structure is adjustable to achieve a desired height, length and width as required for a particular application of the air containment system. A kit providing an air containment system is further disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to racks and enclosures, and moreparticularly to a data center air containment system that provides anintegrated solution for supporting piping, ductwork, raceways and cabletrays containing wires, cables, and other means of conveyance ofelectricity, thermal energy, data and other transferrable media.

2. Discussion of Related Art

To control the flow of air throughout a data center, and to optimize theairflow through equipment racks provided in the data center, it may bedesirable to contain the air in hot and cold aisles to conserve energyand to lower cooling cost by managing airflow. As a result, hot aislecontainment systems have been developed to contain and manage air withinthe hot aisle. Cold air containment systems have been developed as well.

The prevailing structures and methods for air containment within datacenters are limited to containment structures that are self-supportingor supported by other data center equipment, e.g., equipment racks.These containment structures have limited or no provisions forsupporting the weight of other related and necessary data center pipes,ducts, wiring and hardware. The prevailing methods of installing suchequipment include hanging the equipment from overhead structuresassociated with data center, placing the equipment on top of IT racksand equipment cabinets, or running the equipment under an accessiblefloor, separate from the structural floor of the building.

It is known that IT equipment maintained in a data center or otherdedicated computing environment will almost always require additionaldedicated cooling to supplement typical building comfort cooling tomaintain an appropriate inlet air temperature for computing equipment.Over the years, data center cooling technologies and methodologies havetaken many forms, and have evolved as the way data centers are designed,deployed, and maintained has also changed.

Historically, one data center cooling method has been under-floorcooling, in which large computer room air conditioners (CRACs) orcomputer room air handlers (CRAHs) stand on the perimeter of the roomand force cooled air under the raised floor and into a plenum, as thetiles are supported a distance of twelve to thirty-six inches off of afoundation or floor of the room. Perforated tiles strategically placedin front of the equipment racks holding the IT equipment allow this airto escape the plenum and flood the area in front of the equipment rackwith appropriately cooled temperature. The return air, now heated fromthe IT equipment, eventually makes it back to the CRAC unit and thecycle begins again. This method was not rigidly tied to a particular ITdeployment methodology, as the perforated tiles could be substituted infront of any rack.

One advancement in data center thermal management was in close-coupledcooling (otherwise known as “in-row cooling”), in which the CRACs andCRAHs were no longer placed along a perimeter of the room, but werepositioned directly against the IT equipment hosted in racks, typicallyarranged in an in-row fashion. This cooling methodology required a morerigid deployment of IT equipment, in that the close-coupled cooling wasmost effective in hot aisle and cold aisle arrangements.

Aisle containment is now part of a common IT deployment and coolingstrategy, in which the aforementioned hot and cold aisles might bephysically contained to prevent mixing of hot return air and cold supplyair. Mixing hot air with cold air causes the data center cooling systemto run less efficiently. The cooling methodologies have changed little,though. Currently, supplying air to or returning air from a containedaisle uses fully decoupled systems in which the ductwork that moves theair is suspended from the building infrastructure itself and thecontainment system is largely blind to the conveyance of air through theductwork.

In addition, cable trays are used to create a pathway and to provideprotection to wires installed between termination points, and are analternative to electrical conduits. Cable trays can generally include anassembly or weldment used to support electrical wiring used for powerdistribution and communications. Traditional cable trays may includesolid bottoms, or constructed in a style of a metal basket. Other cabletrays include a “ladder” tray in which the cables are supported by barsthat look like the rungs of a ladder. Other embodiments of cable traysmay include solid or ventilated covers that offer protection to thecables from the types of hazards deemed most probable duringinstallation, and during the service life of the cables placed withinthe tray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an air containmentsystem configured to span an aisle defined by rows of racks. In oneembodiment, the air containment system comprises a frame structureincluding two end frames provided at respective ends of the aircontainment system, and at least two horizontal beams, one for each sideof the air containment system, releasably secured to the end frames. Theframe structure is adjustable to achieve a desired height, length andwidth as required for a particular application of the air containmentsystem.

Embodiments of the air containment system further may include acantilever assembly releasably secured to vertical posts of the endframes at a desired elevation along lengths of the posts. The cantileverassembly may be configured to support various types of equipment. Thecantilever assembly may include two arms releasably secured to thevertical posts of the end frames, and at least one cross memberreleasably secured to the arms so that the at least one cross memberextends between the arms. The cantilever assembly may be configured tosupport a network cabinet. Each end frame may include two vertical postsand at least one cross member releasably secured to the posts at adesired elevation along lengths of the posts. Each end of the at leastone cross member may include a connector configured to be releasablysecured to one of the two vertical posts and to vary a length of thecross member. Each horizontal beam may be releasably secured to theposts at a desired elevation along lengths of the posts. Each horizontalbeam can be extended and retracted to achieve a desired length. Eachhorizontal beam may include an outer beam, an inner beam, and fastenersto connect the outer beam to the inner beam. Each horizontal beamfurther may include a spacer attached to the inner beam when connectingthe outer beam to the inner beam. Each horizontal beam further mayinclude a track that is secured to the outer beam and a brush strip thatis secured to the track. The air containment system further may compriseat least one access window. The air containment system further maycomprise a door frame assembly provided at one end of the aircontainment system. The door frame assembly may comprise two verticalsupports and a horizontal support. The door fame assembly may beconfigured to support one or more doors that provide access to theaisle. The air containment system further may comprise several blankingpanels releasably secured to the frame structure to enclose the aisle.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a kit for an aircontainment system configured to span an aisle defined by rows of racks.In one embodiment, the kit comprises a frame structure including two endframes configured to be provided at respective ends of the aircontainment system, and at least two horizontal beams, one for each sideof the air containment system, configured to be releasably secured tothe end frames. The kit further comprises a cantilever assemblyconfigured to be releasably secured to the end frames at a desiredelevation along lengths of the end frames, the cantilever assemblyfurther being configured to support various types of equipment.

Embodiments of the kit further may include access windows, blankingpanels, and door frame assemblies. The kit further may comprise an airduct system configured to be supported by the frame structure. Each endframe may include includes two vertical posts and at least one crossmember configured to be releasably secured to the posts at a desiredelevation along lengths of the posts. Each horizontal beam may beconfigured to be releasably secured to the posts at a desired elevationalong lengths of the posts. Each horizontal beam may be configured to beextended and retracted to achieve a desired length.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to an air duct systemconfigured to be used with an air containment system that spans an aisledefined by rows of racks. In one embodiment, the air duct systemcomprises a plurality of ceiling panels supported by the air containmentsystem, a plurality of support curbs mounted on the ceiling panels, theplurality of support curbs being configured to support ductworkpositioned on the support curbs, ductwork positioned on the plurality ofsupport curbs, and a plurality of panels secured to the support curbs tocreate a plenum underneath the ductwork.

Embodiments of the air duct system further may include the plenumenabling the ductwork to selectively deliver cool air to the aisle orexhaust hot air from the aisle. Each ceiling panel may be rectangular inconstruction and configured to extend across a top of a frame structureof the air containment system. Each ceiling panel may include a seriesof openings to enable air to flow between the plenum and the aisle. Eachsupport curb may be a curved structure and is positioned to straddle twoadjacent ceiling panels. Each support curb may include a support surfacethat is curved to receive a profile of ductwork supported by the supportcurbs. The plurality of support curbs may include a first series ofsupport curbs positioned on the ceiling panels along one side of theceiling panels and a second series of support curbs positioned on theceiling panels along an opposite side of the ceiling panels. The firstand second series of support curbs may be configured to complement oneanother to create a cradle that receives the ductwork. The plurality ofpanels may include blanking panels secured to the plurality of ceilingpanels and the plurality of support curbs. The blanking panels may beconfigured to enclose sides of the plenum. The plurality of panelsfurther may include end caps secured to the ceiling panels and thesupport curbs. The end caps may be configured to enclose ends of theplenum.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of installingan air duct system comprising: securing ceiling panels on top of a framestructure of an air containment system; securing support curbs on theceiling panels; securing panels to the support curbs; and positioningductwork on the support curbs. The ceiling panels, panels and ductworkcreate a plenum, which enables the ductwork to selectively deliver coolair to the aisle or exhaust hot air from the aisle.

Embodiments of the method further may include securing a first series ofsupport curbs to the ceiling panels along one side of the ceiling panelsand securing a second series of support curbs to the ceiling panelsalong an opposite side of the ceiling panels. The two series of supportcurbs may be configured to complement one another to create a cradlethat receives the ductwork.

A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method ofselectively delivering or exhausting air from an aisle defined by an aircontainment system. In one embodiment, the method comprising one of thefollowing: for cold aisle containment, delivering cold air into ductworkfrom a source of cold air, delivering the cold air to a plenum definedby ceiling panels, ductwork, and panels disposed between the ductworkand the ceiling panels, and passing the cold air into the aisle throughdiffusers provided in the ceiling panels; and for hot aisle containment,passing warm air from IT equipment in the aisle through diffusersprovided in ceiling panels, containing the warm air in the plenum, andexhausting the warm air in the ductwork back to the source of cooling.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a kit for an air ductsystem configured to be used with an air containment system that spansan aisle defined by rows of racks. In one embodiment, the kit comprisesa plurality of ceiling panel supported by the air containment system, aplurality of support curbs mounted on the ceiling panels, the pluralityof support curbs being configured to support ductwork positioned on thesupport curbs, and a plurality of panels secured to the support curbs tocreate a plenum underneath the ductwork when ductwork is positioned onthe support curbs. The plenum enables the ductwork to selectivelydeliver cool air to the aisle or exhaust hot air from the aisle.

Embodiments of the kit further include configuring each ceiling panel tobe rectangular in construction and configured to extend across a top ofa frame structure of the air containment system. Each support curb maybe a curved structure and is positioned to straddle two adjacent ceilingpanels. Each support curb may include a support surface that is curvedto receive the profile of ductwork supported by the support curbs. Aseries of support curbs may be positioned on the ceiling panels alongone side of the ceiling panels and another series of support curbspositioned on the ceiling panels along an opposite side of the ceilingpanels. The two series of support curbs may be configured to complementone another to create a cradle that receives the ductwork. The pluralityof panels may include blanking panels secured to the ceiling panels andthe support curbs, the blanking panels being configured to enclose sidesof the plenum. The plurality of panels further may include end capssecured to the ceiling panels and the support curbs. The end caps may beconfigured to enclose ends of the plenum.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a cable tray configuredto organize wires and cables used associated with the air containmentsystem and the equipment racks deployed within the air containmentsystem. In one embodiment, the cable tray comprises a bottom wall, afirst side wall secured along one edge of the bottom wall, and a secondside wall secured along an opposite edge of the bottom wall. One of thefirst side wall and the second side wall is perforated to enable a boxto be mounted on the side wall.

Embodiments of the cable tray further may include an optional cover toenclose and protect the contents supported by the cable tray and anoptional end cap to enclose an end of the cable tray. The bottom walland the other of the first side wall and the second side wall may befabricated from solid or perforated sheet metal, plastic or compositematerial, or a combination of these materials. The cable tray may bedesigned to be used with a cantilever assembly, or other suitablestructures, and includes guides and supports for cables and wires, whilechanging elevations. The bottom wall includes at least one curved end toaccommodate elevation changes. At least one of the first side wall andthe second side wall may include openings formed therein at intervalsalong a length of the side wall to allow cables run through a centralchannel of the cable tray defined between the two side walls. The firstside wall and the second side wall may be each configured to receive aside cover plate, which is constructed from solid or perforated sheetmetal, plastic or composite material onto which common trade sizejunction boxes or receptacle boxes can be mounted.

The present disclosure will be more fully understood after a review ofthe following figures, detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis made to the figures which are incorporated herein by reference and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a data center air containment system ofan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a welded end frame of a frame structureof the air containment system;

FIG. 2B is perspective view of an assembled end frame of a framestructure of the air containment system;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the assembled end frame in a partiallyassembled state;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of components of the assembled end frame;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a horizontal beam constructed as avariable length component, compatible with the frame structure of theair containment system;

FIG. 3B is a perspective sectional view of the horizontal beam;

FIG. 3C is an exploded perspective view of the horizontal beam;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame structure in a partiallyassembled state;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cantilever assembly mounted on theframe structure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a network cabinet that is configured tobe supported by the cantilever assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an access window of the air containmentsystem;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a door frame assembly of the aircontainment system;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of transition cabinets of the aircontainment system;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air containment system havingblanking panels to enclose an aisle;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the frame structure supporting an airduct system of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the air duct system with an air ductremoved;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ceiling panel of the air duct system;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a cable tray of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a cable tray of another embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 14C is a perspective view of a cable tray of another embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of illustration only, and not to limit the generality,the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying figures. This disclosure is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or being carried out in various ways. Also the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

A typical data center may be designed to house a number of equipmentracks, which are designed to house electronic equipment including butnot limited to data processing, networking and telecommunicationsequipment. Each equipment rack may be configured to include a frame orhousing adapted to support the electronic equipment. The housingincludes a front, a back, opposite sides, a bottom and a top. The frontof each equipment rack may include a front door so as to enable accessinto the interior of the equipment rack. The sides of the equipment rackmay include one or more panels to enclose the interior region of therack. The back of the equipment rack may also include one or more panelsor a back door to provide access to the interior of the equipment rackfrom the back of the rack. In certain embodiments, the side and backpanels, as well as the front door and the rear door, may be fabricatedfrom perforated sheet metal, for example, to allow air to flow into andout of the interior region of the equipment rack. In other embodiments,the front door may include a removable panel.

The equipment racks are modular in construction and configured to berolled into and out of position, e.g., within a row of the data center.Once in position, electronic equipment may be positioned in the interiorregion of the equipment rack. For example, the equipment may be placedon shelving secured within the interior region of the equipment rack.Cables providing electrical and data communication may be providedthrough the top of the equipment rack either through a cover (or “roof”)at the top of the equipment rack having openings formed therein orthrough an open top of the equipment rack.

As discussed above, data centers may be configured with rows ofequipment racks arranged such that cool air is drawn into the racks froma cool aisle and warm or hot air is exhausted from the racks into a hotaisle. In one embodiment, the equipment racks may be arranged in tworows with the fronts of the equipment racks in a near row being arrangedin a forward direction and the backs of the equipment racks in a far rowbeing arranged in a rearward direction. However, as stated above, in atypical data center, there may be multiple rows of equipment racks inwhich the rows may be arranged with the fronts of the equipment racksfacing one another to define the cold aisle and with the backs of theequipment racks facing one another to define the hot aisle. In otherconfigurations, the hot or cold aisle may be disposed between a wall anda row of equipment racks. For example, a row of equipment racks may bespaced from a wall with the backs of the equipment racks facing the wallto define a hot aisle between the wall and the row of equipment racks.

To address the heat build-up and hot spots within the data center orequipment room, and to address climate control issues within the datacenter or room in general, a cooling system may be provided. In oneconfiguration, the cooling system may be provided as part of the datacenter infrastructure. In another configuration, the data center'scooling system may be supplemented with the CRAC and/or CRAH unitsdescribed above. With yet another configuration, a modular coolingsystem may be provided in which modular cooling racks are interspersedwithin the rows of equipment racks.

In one embodiment, a management system may be provided to monitor anddisplay conditions of the equipment racks, including the cooling racks.The management system may operate independently to control the operationof the equipment and cooling racks, and may be configured to communicatewith a higher level network manager or with a management systemassociated with the data center. In certain circumstances, it may bedesirable control the airflow within the hot and cold aisles, and in thehot aisles in particular. Typically, heat generated from electroniccomponents housed within the equipment racks is exhausted out of thebacks of the equipment racks into the hot aisles. It may be desirable tocontain the hot air for conditioning by a cooling unit, such as themodular cooling unit described above.

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to adata center air containment system including a frame structure that iseasy to assemble and provides a single, integrated unit that enclosesthe aisle while facilitating the conveyance of cooling, electrical, andcommunication/networking equipment. In one embodiment, the aircontainment system includes a frame structure having end frames andcross frames that can be easily assembled without the use of tools. Theair containment system further includes cantilevered arms that supportequipment, including cable trays specifically designed to supportcables. The air containment system further includes an air duct supportthat is integrated with roof or ceiling panels.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, aportion of a data center, generally indicated at 10, is illustrated. Inparticular, an aisle 12 is located between two rows of equipment racks.FIG. 1 illustrates a single row of equipment racks, each indicated at14. As shown, the row of equipment racks 14 is positioned so that thefronts of the equipment racks face outwardly. Similarly, a second row ofequipment racks (not shown for clarity) may be positioned on an oppositeside of the aisle 12 so that the fronts of the equipment racks faceoutwardly and the backs of the equipment racks face the backs of the rowof equipment racks 14. By way of example only, the row of equipmentracks 14 includes five equipment racks; however, the rows of equipmentracks can include any number of equipment racks. In certain embodiments,one or more equipment racks 14 may be replaced by a cooling rack toprovide cooling to the aisle 12.

In one embodiment, the rows of equipment racks 14 can be arranged sothat hot air is exhausted through the backs of the equipment racks intothe aisle 12. Conversely, the rows of equipment racks 14 can be arrangedso that cold air is deposited into the aisle 12 through one or more airduct systems. As shown in FIG. 1, air is capable of escaping from theaisle 12 above the equipment racks 14. As is well known, warm air rises,thus creating a situation in which the ceiling of the data center 10 maybecome too warm. This situation may negatively affect the climatecontrol within the data center 10. An air containment system of anembodiment of the present disclosure is designed to control the flow ofwarm air within the data center 10, and within the space between theequipment racks 14. The air containment system is further configured toefficiently accommodate cooling, electrical and communication/networkingequipment.

The portion of the data center 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an aircontainment system, generally indicated at 16, of an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the air containment system 16 includes aframe structure 18, a door frame assembly 20, and two cantileverassemblies, each indicated at 22. The frame structure 18 may consist ofa weldment or assembly consisting of separate weldments, fasteners,extrusions (of plastic, aluminum and other materials) designed tosupport the weight, moments, and geometry of the components of the aircontainment system, including panels, doors, closures, ceiling panels,and other accessories providing air containment within the aisle 12. Theframe structure 18 further is configured to support the various means ofconveyance, the media within the means of conveyance, and data centerequipment and accessories inclusive of batteries, specializedenclosures, electronic equipment, fire suppression equipment, lightingfixtures, and other data center equipment, within the frame structure.

Embodiments of the air containment system 16 enable equipment racks 14and other floor standing, rolling or otherwise transportable equipmentto be rolled, inserted, or otherwise moved and removed into and out ofthe frame structure of the air containment system, without beingencumbered by piping, ductwork, raceways containing wires, cables, andother means of conveyance of electricity, thermal energy, data, andother transferable media, which shall be supported by the framestructure. In certain embodiments, the air containment system 16 caninclude means of conveyance that are specific to data centerarchitecture, include electrical conduits, fire suppression pipes,chilled water pipes, “supply” and/or “return” air ducts and othersimilar guides, channels, or raceways, are intended to attached to theframe structure instead of the overhead structure of the building. Forexample, the frame structure 18 may be modified to support chilled waterpipes. One embodiment of the disclosure, which will be discussed ingreater detail below, is directed to an air duct that is supported bythe air containment system 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the frame structure 18 includes two end frames, eachindicated at 24, which may be a welded end frame or an assembled endframe. The end frames 24 are provided at respective ends of the aircontainment system. Referring additionally to FIGS. 2A-2D, each endframe 24 includes two vertical posts 26, 28 and two cross members 30,32. In certain embodiments the posts 26, 28 and the cross members 30, 32may be roll-formed or extruded shapes that collectively create a strongvertical structure.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the posts 26, 28 and the crossmembers 30, 32 are welded to one another. As shown in FIGS. 2B-2D, inanother embodiment, the cross members 30, 32 of the assembled end frame24 may include connectors 34 that are designed to be releasably securedby mechanical fasteners, such as machine screws and nuts. In oneembodiment, the connectors 34 may be secured to the cross members 30, 32in such a manner as to vary lengths of the cross members to change awidth of the end frame 24. The cross members 30, 32 and the connectors34 may be provided with a series of openings that correspond to oneanother to vary the length of the cross members when attaching theconnectors to the cross members.

As shown, each vertical post 26, 28 may include a series of openingsthat enable the cross member 30 to be releasably secured to the posts ata desired elevation along lengths of the posts. Fasteners may be used tosecure the cross members 30, 32 to the posts 26, 28. The assembledembodiment of the end frame 24 enables the end frame to be shipped andstored in a compact configuration. The posts 26, 28 of the end frame 24may include feet that enable the end frame to stand vertically whenpositioned in an upright position. The arrangement is such that the endframe 24 can be assembled using simple tools with a minimum number ofpersonnel.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 3A-3C, the frame structure furtherincludes several horizontal beams, e.g., four, each generally indicatedat 36. The horizontal beams 36 are attached to the end frames 24 eitherintegrally or as mountable sub-assemblies of either fixed or variablelength. The number and frequency of placement of the horizontal beams 36is related to the heights of the end frames 24 and the requirements ofthe accessory sub-assemblies to be applied to the air containment system16. In one embodiment, the horizontal beam 36 may be a fixed-lengthmember. In another embodiment, which is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, thehorizontal beam 36 may be a variable-length member. When employing avariable-length beam, the horizontal beam 36 includes an outer beam 38,an inner beam 40, and fasteners, which are used to connect the outerbeam to the inner beam. A spacer 42 may be provided, and attached to theinner beam 40 when the inner beam is attached to the outer beam 38. Thehorizontal beam 36 further includes a window and brush track 44 that issecured to the outer beam 38 and a brush strip 46 that is secured to thetrack. The brush strip 46 is positioned to engage IT equipment racks,e.g., equipment racks 14, that are rolled into the frame structure 18 toassist in containing air within the aisle 12. The brush strip 46 isprovided to seal or otherwise contain air within the air containmentsystem 16 when fully assembled with the equipment racks 14.

FIG. 4 illustrates the horizontal beams 36 attached to the end frames24. As shown, the vertical posts 26, 28 of the end frames 24 eachinclude a series of openings that enables the horizontal beams 36 to bereleasably secured to the posts at a desired elevation thereby enablingan effective height of the frame structure to be varied. With theprovision of the adjustable cross members 30, 32 of the end frames 24and the adjustable horizontal beams 36, the frame structure 24 isconfigurable to achieve a desired height, length and width as requiredfor the particular application of the air containment system 16. The endframes 24 and the horizontal beams 36 can be assembled with use ofminimal tools and personnel. Suitable fasteners can be used toreleasably secure the horizontal beams 36 to the vertical posts 26, 28of the end frames 24.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cantilever assembly 22 is shown beingreleasably secured to the vertical posts 26, 30 of the end frames 24 ofthe frame structure 18. The cantilever assembly 22 is configured tosupport various types of equipment, such as electrical busways,electrical power distribution units, fiber optic trays, network cabletrays, and other means of conveyance. As shown, in one embodiment, thecantilever assembly 22 includes two arms, each indicated at 48, andseveral cross members, each indicated at 50. The arms 48 are configuredto be releasably secured to the vertical posts 26, 28 of the end frames24 by fasteners at a desired elevation along lengths of the verticalposts. The cross members 50 are secured to the arms 48 by fasteners aswell. FIG. 5 illustrates the cantilever assembly 22 supporting anelectrical busway and a fiber optic tray. Other objects can be supportedby the cantilever assembly 22 as well.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, the cantilever assembly 22 may beconfigured to support communication equipment, such as a network cabinet52. In some embodiments, network cabinets 52 are designed to be hungbelow the cantilever assembly 22 and may be installed to accommodatenetwork equipment that might be inconvenient to locate within the ITracks or IT cabinets. The network cabinet 52, which is suspended fromthe cantilever assembly 22 and fully decoupled from the IT equipmentracks 14 that are positioned below the cantilever assembly, allows asolution in which the entire data center network can be pre-populatedand configured before compute and storage enters the data center 10. Inone embodiment, the network cabinet 52 includes four hooks, eachindicated at 54, which are configured to be hung on the cross members 50of the cantilever assembly 22. FIG. 6 illustrates the network cabinet 52that may be used for the installation of network switches or other spacecompatible accessories.

Referring additionally to FIG. 7, the air containment system 16 furtherincludes several access windows, each generally indicated at 56 in FIGS.1 and 5, which enables access to the tops of the equipment racks 14rolled into the frame structure 18. As shown, the access window 56includes a rectangular frame 58 and can be configured with two separatewindow panes, each indicated at 60, which are designed to slide relativeto one another to allow ingress and egress through the access window.Access windows 56 provide a means to perform assembly, maintenance, andoperations to equipment adjacent to the contained aisle without thenecessity to reach over installed racks. During aisle containment, eachaccess window 56 is normally positioned in a closed position. As shownin FIGS. 1 and 5, two access windows 56 are shown assembled on the framestructure 18, with each access window in a closed position.

Referring to FIG. 8, as mentioned above, the air containment systemfurther includes at least one door frame assembly 20 provided at one endof the assembly. FIG. 8 illustrates one door frame assembly 20; however,it should be understood that an opposite end of the aisle 12 may beprovided with another door frame assembly. The door frame assembly 20includes two vertical supports 62, 64 and a horizontal support 66. Thedoor fame assembly 20 is configured to support one or more doors thatprovide access to the aisle 12. In certain embodiments, a single doormay be hinged to one of the vertical supports 62, 64 of door frameassembly 20 or may occupy a door frame opening 68 by way of overlappingsheets of flexible material, such as strip doors. In other embodiments,the doors may be bi-fold doors, which are installed in pairs on thevertical supports 62, 64. In other embodiments, the doors may slidehorizontally either supported from above on tracks provided on thehorizontal support 66 or on floor tracks, or a combination of both.Alternatively, the door may be configured as an overhead door. The doorframe assembly 20 is configured with multiple mounting locations foroptional doors.

Referring to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments, the air containment system16 further can include two transition cabinets, each indicated at 70,provided adjacent respective vertical posts 26, 28 of the end frame 24and the vertical supports of the door frame assembly, although the doorframe assembly is not shown in this drawing figure. Each transitioncabinet 70 is a box-like structure configured to support importantelectrical and mechanical activation, control and distributionequipment. For example, each transition cabinet 70 can be configured tosupport electrical panel boards, automatic transfer switch (“ATS”)controllers, electronic displays to display information and parameteradjustments, a human machine interface (“HMI”), control switches andactuators, access control equipment, fire detection and fire suppressionequipment, and other electrical, electronic, pneumatic or similaraccessories. FIG. 9 illustrates each transition cabinet 70 havingelectrical panel boards installed, with the control sections awaitinginstallation of controls.

Referring to FIG. 10, the air containment system 16 further may includeseveral blanking panels, each indicated at 72, releasably secured to theframe structure 18 (e.g., vertical posts 26, 28 of the end frames 24 andto the horizontal beams 36 of the frame structure) to enclose the aisle12. As shown, each blanking panel 72 can be fabricated from clear,translucent or transparent material in frames that mount to the framestructure 18 in locations where equipment racks 14 are not present tomaintain the intended thermal characteristic separation of the containedaisle. The blanking panels 72 alternatively may be fabricated fromopaque material. The blanking panels 72 may be sized based on thedimensions of the rack space intended to be “blanked” or be a variablesize component able to be expanded or reduced to suit. Blanking panels72 may incorporate integral lighting, pressure, or temperature sensingdevices that add to the visual appearance or functionality of theblanking panels.

In certain embodiments, the blanking panels 72 can be accompanied andsecured in place with unique hardware that sets the insertion depth ofthe adjacent racks in the row of equipment racks 14, secures theblanking panel at the top, and adjusts the blanking panel to a truevertical orientation with horizontal adjusters. Each blanking panel 72can be configured, through a lower stop rail, to provide a verticalsurface to meet the inserted equipment racks 14 that may be sealed, anda horizontal surface that may accept a sealing membrane to the floor. Inthis configuration, each blanking panel 72 can provide a greater degreeof air containment within the frame structure 18 of the air containmentsystem 16 than was previously obtained.

Embodiments of the air containment system 16 further include providingthe system as a kit to be assembled and installed by the end user. Sucha kit can be configured to include a frame structure 18 that has two endframes 24 in disassembled form and two or more (e.g., four) adjustablehorizontal beams 36. The kit further can be configured to include one ormore cantilever assemblies 22, each having two arms 48 and several crossmembers 50. The kit further can be configured to include several accesswindows 56, several blanking panels 72, and one or two door frameassemblies 20. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the kitfurther can be configured to include an air duct system, which issupported by the frame structure 18 of the air containment system 16.The kit can include additional components and accessories, such asfasteners and connectors.

Other embodiments of the air containment system 16 may include ceilingassemblies having roof or ceiling panels to contain air within the aisle12. The ceiling assemblies may be configured to selectively allow asprinkler system to spray water or some other fire retarding substanceinto the aisle 12. The ceiling assemblies also may be configured withlight transmitting materials including glass, plastic, and other similarmaterials. In other embodiments, as discussed herein the frame structure18 of the air containment system 16 enables the air containment systemto have a greater or a lesser height, for installation in buildings ofdiffering ceiling heights. As discussed herein, the end frames 24 andthe horizontal beams 36 of the frame structure can be designed to have agreater or a lesser length, for installation in data halls ofunpredictable length, and cross aisle spacing. The frame structure 18and the various accessories (e.g., the cantilever assemblies 22, theaccess windows 56, and the blanking panels 72) of the air containmentsystem 16 can be assembled without the use of tools or with a minimaluse of tools by a minimum number of personnel. In one embodiment, thecomponent parts of the air containment structure 18 can be fabricated,almost entirely, of low-cost, steel parts.

It should be understood that the air containment system 16 ofembodiments of the present disclosure can be used for hot aislecontainment or for cold aisle containment. The air containment system 16provides a free-standing support structure on which a variety ofequipment can be implemented. For example, the air containment system 16can be used with overhead air conditioners (mounted overhead on the aircontainment system), with floor mounted air conditioners (placed withinthe air containment system), with ducted air conditioners (remote airconditioners connected to the air containment system by ducts), and/orwith air delivered from under an access floor. For example, FIG. 1illustrates two air ducts 74, 76 mounted on top of the frame structure18 of the air containment system 16.

The air containment system 16 is designed to simplify the design of newdata center buildings, to eliminate or at least reduce a reliance on thestructure of a building to support the means of conveyance describedabove, to eliminate or at least reduce a need to use data centerequipment (e.g., equipment racks 14) to support the means of conveyance,to enable a reuse of structures that may not be originally designed fordata center use, and/or to save a data center business, time and moneyin building or outfitting a data center. The air containment system 16can be assembled with a minimal number of tools, by a minimum number ofpersonnel.

Referring to FIG. 11, the air containment system 16 can be furtherconfigured with an air duct system, generally indicated at 80, which isspecifically designed to support an air duct 82, sometimes referred toas “ductwork,” to create a fully integrated airflow system that containsthe air and distributes the air. The air duct system 80 is modular inconstruction, which enables a single person or minimal personnel toinstall the components of the air duct system with ease. In oneembodiment, the components of the air duct system 80 create a plenum,which allows the ductwork 82 to be decoupled to selectively deliver coolair to the aisle 12 or exhaust hot air from the aisle. The air ductsystem 80 is scalable in that the components of the air duct system canbe added to the frame structure 18 of the air containment system 16depending on the size of the frame structure. In certain embodiments,all major components of the air duct system 80 can be made from rolledform steel of varying gauges. The air ducts 82 can be a spiral ductworkthat is commonly available through normal supply chains.

As shown in FIG. 11, the air duct system 80 includes several basiccomponents that are assembled together to make up the system. In theshown embodiment, the air duct system 80 includes several ceilingpanels, each indicated at 84, which, in one embodiment, is a rectangularsheet metal panel that extends across a top of the frame structure 18 ofthe air containment system 16 and is secured to the frame structure byplungers and fasteners. For example, each ceiling panel 84 may include aplunger that extends out from a peripheral edge of the panel, with theplunger being received within an opening formed in the frame structure18 once the ceiling panel is properly placed on the frame structure. Asshown in FIG. 11, there are five ceiling panels 84 that extend from oneside of the frame structure 18 to an opposite side of the framestructure across the aisle 12. However, any number of ceiling panels 84can be provided for a given system, with each ceiling panel beingmounted to the frame structure 18 individually. As will be discussedbelow, each ceiling panel 84 can be fabricated with a series of slots oropenings, together referred to as a “diffuser” or “diffusers,” which arecut into the panel to enable air to flow from and to the aisle 12.

Referring additionally to FIG. 12, which shows the air duct system 80with the ductwork 82 removed, the air duct system further includesseveral support curbs, each indicated at 86, which are mounted on theceiling panels 84 to support ductwork positioned on the support curbs.As shown, in one embodiment, each support curb 86 is a curved sheetmetal structure that straddles two adjacent ceiling panels 84 to landimmediately above reinforcing ribs on the edge of each panel. Eachsupport curb 86 includes a support surface 88 that is curved to receivethe profile of ductwork supported by the support curbs.

As shown, a series of support curbs 86 are positioned on the ceilingpanels 84 along one side of the air duct system 80. There is anotherseries of support curbs 86 positioned on the ceiling panels 84 along anopposite side of the frame structure 18. The series of support curbs 86are configured to complement one another to create a cradle thatreceives the ductwork 82. The support curbs 86 at the end of the ceilingpanels 84 do not straddle over the edge but are placed entirely on thesurface of the ceiling panel, flush with the edge of the ceiling panel.The support curbs 86 are sized and shaped to support ductwork 82appropriately sized for the particular application. In some embodiments,the support curbs 86 are similarly constructed with respect to oneanother regardless where the support curb is positioned on the ceilingpanel 84. In one embodiment, the support curbs 86 are fabricated fromsheet metal and can be secured to the ceiling panels by welding or byfasteners.

The air duct system 80 further includes several blanking panels, eachindicated at 90, which are designed to capture air underneath theductwork 82 when fully assembled. FIG. 12 illustrates two blankingpanels 90 for each ceiling panel 84. As shown, the blanking panels 90are secured to the support curbs 86 by fasteners. In one embodiment, theblanking panels 90 can be fabricated from sheet metal as well. Thearrangement is such that the blanking panels 90 seal the open spacebetween support curbs 86, preventing air leakage when ductwork 82 ispositioned on the support surface 88 of the support curbs 86. However,unlike the support curbs 86, the blanking panels 90 areposition-sensitive, as the shorter blanking panels should be usedbetween the support curbs closest to the end.

The air duct system 80 further includes end caps, each indicated at 92,which are provided at the ends of the blanking panels 90 to complete theseal of a plenum 94 defined by the ceiling panels 84, the blankingpanels, the end caps and the ductwork 82 when the ductwork is in placeon the support curbs 86. In one embodiment, each end cap 92 is a sheetmetal panel that is bent to fit over the support curbs 86 at each end,and secured to the support curbs by fasteners to effectively seal offthe plenum 94 when the ductwork 82 is in place. The end cap 92 has acutout portion that matches the profile of the ductwork 82 whensupported by the support curbs 86.

Referring to FIG. 13, to achieve airflow between the air ducts 82 andthe aisle 12, each ceiling panel 84 includes a series of slots oropenings 96 formed in the ceiling panel, which create a diffuser foreach ceiling panel. The ductwork 82 can have similar openings formedtherein that create airflow between the ductwork and the aisle 12. Thesizes and the shapes of the openings 96 in the ceiling panels 84 can bemodified depending on the airflow requirements between the air ducts 82and the aisle 12.

In a certain embodiment, as discussed herein, the components of the airduct system 80 are fabricated from sheet metal, and are intended tofunction with a purpose-built air containment system, such as aircontainment system 16. The air duct system 80 is easily scalable withthe base unit being a single ceiling panel 84 as shown in FIG. 13. Inone embodiment, the air duct system 80 can be provided unassembled, andcan be installed with standard tools by a minimum number of personnel.Along with the air containment system 16, the air duct system 80 isintended to function as an air containment solution providing airmanagement to the aisles of equipment racks 14.

During installation, the ceiling panels 84 are each lowered onto the topof the purpose-built frame structure 18 of the air containment system16. The ceiling panels 84 can be constructed to include plungers on eachend of the ceiling panel to secure the panel to the frame structure 18,the frame structure having openings to receive the plungers therein. Asadjacent ceiling panels 84 are installed, the support curbs 86 arebolted (or welded) into place on the ceiling panels with fasteners. Whenall the ceiling panels 84 and the support curbs 86 are installed, theblanking panels 90 are fastened to the support curbs with fasteners. Theend caps 92 are then secured on each end of the air duct system 80 tothe support curbs 86 with fasteners. Once fully assembled to achieve theconfiguration shown in FIG. 11, the ductwork 82, with the appropriatecut-out allowing airflow into the plenum 94, is rolled over either sideof the blanking panels 90 and rests in place in the cradle formed by therounded support curbs 86.

During operation, for cold aisle containment, cold air enters theductwork 82 from a CRAC or CRAH. The cold air floods the plenum 94(i.e., the air-tight region formed by the ceiling panels 84, theblanking panels 90, the end caps 92 and the ductwork 82) and passesthrough the diffusers 96 formed in the ceiling panels, which are sizedbased on anticipated cooling load, and enters the cold-aisle, providingcool supply air to the IT equipment housed within the equipment racks14. For hot aisle containment, the warm air from the IT equipment housedby the equipment racks 14, contained in the “hot aisle,” passes throughthe diffusers 96 in the ceiling panels 84, and enters the plenum 94(again, i.e., the air-tight region formed by the ceiling panels, theblanking panels 90, the end caps 92 and the ductwork 82). From there,the air enters the ductwork 82 supported by the support curbs 86 andmoves through the ductwork back to the CRAC or CRAH for cooling.

In certain embodiments, the ceiling panels 84 can be provided withintegrated diffuser adjusters so that the diffusers 96 can be made lessor more open depending on cooling supply in the field.

Thus, it should be observed that the air duct system 80 and the aircontainment system 16 together eliminates or at least reduces thecomplexity and difficulty of installing ductwork that is suspended fromthe ceiling of the building. The air duct system 80 and the aircontainment system 16 further simplifies the distribution of supply airevenly into an aisle 12, and eliminates the rigidity of existingductwork installs, in the sense that a size of the plenum 94 can beadjusted by a simple combination of the blanking panels 90 and supportcurbs 86. The air duct system 80 and the air containment system 16 aredesigned to closely couple three systems of aisle containment, airdistribution, and ductwork support, thereby simplifying the cooling ofIT equipment supported by the equipment racks 14. In certainembodiments, the air duct system 80 can be assembled and erected using aminimum number of personnel. The air duct system 80 employs a scalablesystem that allows as many ceiling panels 84 can be added to the framestructure 18 of the air containment system 16 as the frame structureitself can allow.

To organize wires and cables used associated with the air containmentsystem 16 and the equipment racks 14 deployed within the air containmentsystem, the cantilever assembly 22 can be used to support cable traysdesigned to support such cables and wires. The state of the art of cabletray design adequately provides for support and routing of cables, butconsistently fails to address the placement, organization or means ofsupport of junction boxes, receptacles, or other accessories that arerequired at the terminus of cables carried by the cable tray. Theorganization and placement of these related parts are generally left tothe ingenuity of the practitioners who install cable trays and therelated parts, and results in inconsistent and generally inefficientmethods that consume considerable time and require the use ofintermediate hardware. Embodiments of cable trays disclosed hereinprovide a cable tray that specifically permits the attachment and directsupport of “trade size” electrical boxes, communications patch bays, andother commoditized electrical and communications trade parts andassemblies with only common fasteners. The cable tray can be used onmost common types of cable assemblies run in cable trays, especiallyarmored cable, and operates exceptionally well adapted to commoninstallation practices.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, three embodiments of a cable tray are shownand described herein. FIG. 14A illustrates a cable tray, generallyindicated at 100, which can be fabricated from solid or perforated sheetmetal, plastic or composite material, or a combination of thesematerials. The cable tray 100 is designed to be used with the cantileverassembly 22, or other suitable structures associated with the framestructure 18 of the air containment system 16, and can include guidesand supports for cables and wires, while changing elevations. As shown,the cable tray 100 includes a bottom wall or base plate 102 and two sidewalls 104, 106 secured to the bottom wall along long edges of the bottomwall. The cable tray 100 further can include an optional cover (notshown) to enclose the contents supported by the cable tray and protectthe contents from dust and/or mechanical damage. An optional end cap 108also can be provided to enclose an end of the cable tray 100. Anotherend cap can be provided at the opposite end of the cable tray 100.

The bottom wall 102 can be configured with curved ends to accommodateelevation changes or with flat ends. The cable tray 100 shown in FIG.14A has a curved end 110 and a flat end 112. The side walls 104 106 aresecured to the bottom wall 102 by screws, welding, or other means. Asshown, the side walls 104, 106 have oval openings, each indicated at114, formed therein at intervals along the lengths of the side walls toallow cables run through the central channel of the cable tray 100 toenter a cavity defined between the two side walls. The side walls 104,106 are designed to receive cable tray side cover plates, which areconstructed from solid or perforated sheet metal, plastic or compositematerial onto which common trade size junction boxes or receptacle boxesmay be mounted.

Similarly, FIG. 14B illustrates a cable tray, generally indicated at120, having a bottom wall 122 and two side walls 124, 126. As shown, thebottom wall 122 has flat ends, and one side wall, e.g., side wall 126,is provided with oval openings, each indicated at 128, formed therein atintervals along the length of the side wall to allow cables run throughthe central channel of the cable tray to enter the cavity definedbetween the two side walls. A cover plate 130 can be provided on theside wall (side wall 126) to mount components on the side wall, thecover plate being provided with smaller openings 132 to allow cables toenter into the cable tray 120. The other side wall, e.g., side wall 124,is designed to receive a cover plate 134, which is constructed fromsolid or perforated sheet metal, plastic or composite material, anddesigned to mount components on the side wall.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cable tray, generally indicated at 140, having abottom wall (not designated), two side walls (side wall 142 beingdesignated), and a cover 144 to enclose the contents supported by thecable tray and protect the contents from dust and/or mechanical damage.One end of the bottom wall is configured with a curved end toaccommodate elevation changes. As shown, the side wall 142 has severalslots, each indicated at 148, formed therein at intervals along thelengths of the side wall to allow cables run through the central channelof the cable tray 140 to enter a cavity defined between the two sidewalls. The side walls are constructed from perforated sheet metal,plastic or composite material onto which common trade size junctionboxes or receptacle boxes, each indicated at 150, may be mounted. Asshown, the cables that exit the central channel of the cable tray 140are permitted to enter the trade size junction boxes or receptacle boxes150 from a rear or from a side by the slots 148 in the cable tray sidewalls and/or cover plates.

The cable trays 100, 120, 140 of embodiments of the present disclosureare intended for use with metal-clad (type MC) or other armored cablesor cable assemblies, tray cables bearing a TC (tray cable) designation,and other cables that may be deemed suitable for branch circuit use byrack mounted equipment. The cable trays are suitable for network cables,and other communication cables running between equipment racks 14 in theair containment system 16, or equipment racks in the air containmentsystem and other termination points within the data center. The cabletrays are designed to be installed on the cantilever assembly describedherein, and can be sized to suit the intended use.

The cable trays of embodiments of the present disclosure arespecifically intended to be constructed of sheet metal, plastic, orother materials that may be perforated or non-perforated, but have thegeneral characteristic of not requiring drilling to assemble the tray(s)or connect sub-assemblies, components, or parts chosen by others andfurnished from third parties. Such third party parts are inclusive oftrade size electrical boxes, clips, hangers, or other attachments eitherused in the assembly and placement of the tray(s), or the developmentand termination of branch circuits.

Having thus described at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,various alternations, modifications and improvements will readily occurto those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications andimprovements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting. The disclosure's limit isdefined only in the following claims and equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air containment system configured to span anaisle defined by rows of racks, the air containment system comprising: aframe structure including two end frames provided at respective ends ofthe air containment system, and at least two horizontal beamsub-assemblies, one for each side of the air containment system,releasably secured to the end frames, wherein each end frame includestwo vertical posts and at least one cross member releasably secured tothe posts at a desired elevation along lengths of the posts, whereineach horizontal beam sub-assembly is configured to be able to adjust alength of the horizontal beam sub-assembly and to be secured at its endsto the two end frames, and includes an outer beam having an open channelformed therein, an inner beam received within the open channel of theouter beam, at least one elongate spacer attached to the inner beam andpositioned within the outer beam, the at least one elongate spacerextending along a length of the outer beam and along a length of theinner beam, and fasteners to connect the outer beam to the inner beam,and wherein the outer beam member includes an end having a bracketconfigured to secure the outer beam member to a vertical post of one ofthe two end frames and the inner beam member includes an end having abracket configured to secure the inner beam member to a vertical post ofthe other of the two end frames.
 2. The air containment system of claim1, wherein each end of the at least one cross member includes aconnector configured to be releasably secured to one of the two verticalposts and to vary a length of the cross member.
 3. The air containmentsystem of claim 1, wherein each horizontal beam sub-assembly isreleasably secured to the posts at a desired elevation along lengths ofthe posts.
 4. The air containment system of claim 1, wherein eachhorizontal beam sub-assembly further includes a track that is secured tothe outer beam and a brush strip that is secured to the track.
 5. Theair containment system of claim 1, further comprising a cantileverassembly releasably secured to vertical posts of the end frames at adesired elevation along lengths of the posts, the cantilever assemblybeing configured to support various types of equipment.
 6. The aircontainment system of claim 5, wherein the cantilever assembly includestwo arms releasably secured to the vertical posts of the end frames, andat least one cross member releasably secured to the arms so that the atleast one cross member extends between the arms.
 7. The air containmentsystem of claim 6, wherein the cantilever assembly is configured tosupport a network cabinet.
 8. The air containment system of claim 1,further comprising at least one access window mounted on the framestructure.
 9. The air containment system of claim 1, further comprisinga door frame assembly including two vertical supports and a horizontalsupport, the door fame assembly being configured to support one or moredoors that provide access to the aisle.
 10. The air containment systemof claim 1, further comprising several blanking panels releasablysecured to the frame structure to enclose the aisle.
 11. A kit for anair containment system configured to span an aisle defined by rows ofracks, the kit comprising: a door frame assembly; a cantilever assembly,the cantilever assembly being configured to support various types ofequipment; and a frame structure including two end frames configured tobe provided at respective ends of the air containment system, and atleast two horizontal beam sub-assemblies, one for each side of the aircontainment system, configured to be releasably secured to the endframes, wherein the cantilever assembly is configured to be releasablysecured to vertical posts of the end frames at a desired elevation alonglengths of the posts, wherein the door frame assembly is configured tobe secured to one of the end frames, wherein each horizontal beamsub-assembly is configured to be able to adjust a length of thehorizontal beam sub-assembly and to be secured at its ends to the twoend frames, and includes an outer beam having an open channel formedtherein, an inner beam received within the open channel of the outerbeam, at least one elongate spacer extending along a length of the outerbeam and along a length of the inner beam, and fasteners provided toconnect the outer beam to the inner beam, and wherein the outer beamincludes an end having a bracket configured to secure the outer beam toa vertical post of one of the two end frames and the inner beam includesan end having a bracket configured to secure the inner beam to avertical post of the other of the two end frames.
 12. The kit of claim11, wherein each end frame includes two vertical posts and at least onecross member configured to be releasably secured to the posts at adesired elevation along lengths of the posts, each horizontal beamsub-assembly being configured to be releasably secured to the posts at adesired elevation along lengths of the posts.
 13. The kit of claim 11,further comprising at least one of an access window and a blankingpanel.
 14. The kit of claim 11, further comprising an air duct systemconfigured to be supported by the frame structure.